Convict Lake Campground

We recently stayed for 3 nights in July at convict lake. The lake is gorgeous and offers fishing, no wake boating sports, mountain biking and hiking trails. The campground is walking distance to the lake, but does not have lake front sites. The sites are fairly cramped and can be very close together. The pads are narrow. There is no hookups. The campground runs in a linear path pointed away from the lake- so some sites are a trek from the water. Thee is a “resort” nearby with a surprisingly well stocked general store. Boats are available to rent at the lake.

Paved 2.5 mile road from 395 to campground and paved roads in campground/sites good condition. Approx. 1/2 sites close to level for 24' RV... 1/2 better suited for car/tent camping. Good clean flush toilets. Picnic tables / bear lockers in good condition. Hosts sell $10 firewood bundles. Sites are below lake but most still have nice view of mountains that surround lake. Generator hours till 10pm but thankfully only hear sounds of nature at 7pm. Nice mostly level walk around lake. $35/night... $17.50 with Senior Pass.

We stayed in site #17, it was pretty private as we didn't really have anyone around us. The bathroom was clean and the site itself was well maintained. Firewood was for sale at the camp store or through the hosts. Gets super cold at night! Showers were available at the camp store as well as laundry.

As night approached, we had to find a campground. We were also looking for something maintained but scenic which this campground was. There are no actual views of the lake from the camp ground that we saw, but some of the sites have a stream flowing through. Even though it was late in the day (5-6pm) and the campground was basically all reserved, we did find a few open spots that you could pay for at the pay station. Each spot has a nice parking spot big enough for a small trailer. Not all spots were leveled, but we did find one that was leveled enough that we didn't need to make any additional adjustments. They all had fire pits, table, and bear lockers. All in all, it's a great campground. I want to mention there is a restaurant close by, but expect to pay upwards of $100 for a meal. It might be best to bring in your own meals. I have T-Mobile, and I was able to get a text or two, but I had absolutely no service until we got back to the 395.

I will always come back to this campground because it is one in a million! I love having the separation of the campground from the cabins in the upper lot. Being able to explore all over the lake and fish in the creek. The general store is also a plus because I somehow always forget at least one thing and they always manage to have it.

My friends and I have been fishing Convict Lake for the Trout Opener for 15 years years now and camping it for about 4-5 years of those 15. We have stayed in many of the campsites and have been very satisfied with them all. The bathrooms are well kept, and the general store staff and camp posts are always so nice! We never have a bad stay coming here, it’s tradition.

This is one of the most scenic areas for me. Mountains, lakes, fishing, beautiful roads, hiking trails.. convict lake has it all. Ive stayed here multiple times in all the different seasons. Always a blast.

Great campground! Very clean, quiet and peaceful. The campground typically takes reservations ahead of time; however our trip was midweek so first come, first serve. We arrived just after 4pm so plenty of spots to choose from.

Camp host was very nice. Surrounding neighbors well spaced out and quiet. A lovely space to fish and go for a morning jog as well! If looking to remain connected, note there’s no cell service, however you may be able to connect to Wi-Fi at either the general store or restaurant. With COVID-19, checkout time was modified to an earlier departure time of 11am.

Convict Lake is probably one of my most favorite cam[grounds. It's situated at the base of an impressive mountain and at the shore of an awesome lake. You can't ask more. There's also wildlife strolling thru the campgrounds all the time.

The campsites are well spaced out with some actually located on a beautiful stream. The restrooms are clean.

The lake has a very small marina where you can rent boats. The lake offers fishing, swimming and much more.

 Cell Service: None

We usually stay in the Mammoth Lakes area but changed it up and we are so happy we did. The tent sites are small with little to no shade but the beauty of Convict Lake was worth it. The only wildlife we dealt with were deer which is much better than bears (so many in Mammoth).

We enjoyed paddle boarding, fishing, and hiking around the lake.

What can I say- I LOVE convict lake. I’ve been coming here for 20+ years with my family for reunions. We always camp but have stayed in the cabins years ago. Used to go over Labor Day weekend but changed to June but the weather is always wonderfully warm during the day and brisk-chilly at night. There are some sites that have a great locations to the bridge that connects to the road for easy access to the general store. Some shady sites and others are exposed to the direct sun. Great fishing in the creek- it is stocked. You can find some quiet spots around the lake to relax, read, and soak up the sun if you aren’t into fishing. Bathrooms and sites are very well kept. I always stop here for a quick view even when driving home from mammoth. Worth it every time.

Went here for the first time a week ago with the family. Clean grounds and restrooms. Firewood sold on site for $7 a bundle, super reasonable. Easily found a campsite without a reservation. Nice hiking trails. Fishing spots all around the lake. Will def be back again soon

This is one of my favorite places in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. It’s just a short drive from the highway and Mammoth Airport. The campground is very popular with a mix of reserved and non reserved sites. I understand the name of the lake is related to some convicts who escaped to the area many years ago. We were able to get a walk up sites by arriving in the early afternoon. The sites are well groomed with fire pits and picnic tables. The restrooms are very clean and well maintained. The setting may be one of the most beautiful in California. You have large mountain lake surrounded on 3 sides by beautiful mountain peaks. They have great 3 or 4 mile trail around the lake and lots of fishing opportunities.

Went at the end of October with some snow! The lake is gorgeous when you can see the snow. Highly recommended for a late season trip. Bundle up though!!

Quite, clean friendly, deer come right into your camp site, creek runs behind majority of sites, great fishing, swimming , boating paddle boards

I bring my kayak here when I want to get away for a quick paddle. Waking up in the valley is a much better experience. With the access to trails you have you'll have more than enough to do, but if that gets old either fish convict from boat, or tackle the 15 minute drive over to crowley. Hot springs in winter, cold spring in the summer. Beware of keeping foods in your vehicles as bears are commonly seen near the campsite.